Tis the season for cold and snow, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the winter blues take hold. Though many people state that they struggle with the winter blues, there are some things you can do to beat those blues. Sometimes it takes a perspective change. Maybe you can’t lounge on the beach soaking up the sun, but there are plenty of fun, relaxing things to do in the winter.
It’s normal to sing the winter blues on occasion. However, the following tips may just help you overcome those blues and genuinely feel happier.
1. Acknowledge The Good
It is understandable that when you are feeling down, you don’t want to think about all the good things in your life. You’d rather sit in the mud puddle and splash around, right. I completely understand, but if you want to kick your blues out the door lightning fast, counter the blues with gratitude news.
Be grateful for all the positive things in your life. Sure, it might sound cliché, but it really works. If you focus on the good, the negatives will not feel as intense. So take time daily to shout out what and who you are thankful for: your family, job, a warm place to live, transportation, being alive, your cat or dog, ten fingers and toes or limbs to walk, food to eat, and so much more. You might not feel like being grateful, but if you want to kick the blues, it’s a sure-fire way to do so.
2. Laugh Your Blues Away
Laughter is medicine and if you can learn to use laughter when you’re feeling blue, the sadness won’t stay. It will go. When you laugh, your body actually goes through a physiological change.
Go ahead and laugh out loud right now. I mean a good, hearty laugh like you used to do when you were a kid. Remember when you and your friends would laugh uncontrollably at the silliest things? Your laughter will trigger more happy chemicals in your body, and you will feel better.
I know a few people who watch their favorite comedies to pull them out of a winter blues funk. Think of past funny memories or simply force yourself to laugh hysterically for a minute. You’ll feel better!
3. Hang Out With Friends or Family
If you’ve got the blues, chances are you are isolating and sitting at home feeling alone. Unless you do something different, the blues may stick with you. A great way to kick the blues is to get out and get around other people who are happy. Or, invite them to your house to socialize.
I emphasize people who are happy, because if you get around other people who are negative, that probably won’t help you out. Force yourself to get together with friends and go out to dinner or go to the mall. Have a game night and be silly and free. Go watch a comedy with your best friend or partner at the local movie theatre. Search for good entertainment in your city and get out there and support them.
So, start planning your next social event. If you can’t get out to meet others, arrange a Zoom virtual event. That can help as well!
4. Adopt A New Hobby
Is there a new hobby you’ve wanted to try but have been putting off? Go ahead and take up a new hobby and see if that makes you feel better. Go ice fishing, take up racquetball at your local gym, start painting, sculpting, woodworking, etc. Google “hobbies” and see what resonates with you and go try them out.
Those that engage in hobbies in their free time tend to live happier lives than those who don’t. Try various hobbies until you’ve found one or two that really make you feel good. If you don’t want to go it alone, grab a friend, your child, or partner for company.
5. Take Up Cooking
You might cook, but is there room for improvement? Winter is a great time to learn more about cooking various dishes and desserts. It’s also quite therapeutic. There are plenty of recipes online or you can head to your local library and check out some recipe books. Try various ethnic foods or simply jazz up your favorite types of foods.
Let your family and friends enjoy your tasty creations and give you some feedback. They’ll certainly be happy you’re in the kitchen honing your culinary skills. And, you may just be able to kick those winter blues while you’re at it.
Winter doesn’t have to be all bad. In fact, you can learn to embrace it and do the best you can to get through it with a positive attitude. It’s alright to get the winter blues every now and then, but you don’t have to stay stuck there all winter.
Hopefully, these tips will help you out. It might take some effort, but being proactive enjoy better moods is worth it.
Do you have any tips to beat the winter blues? Feel free to share them.
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